BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

• Operate and maintain large stationary high and low pressure gas or oil fired boilers, supplying steam or hot water and to operate and maintain refrigeration equipment

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor boiler and refrigeration operations and react to varying load requirements.
• Perform constant visual checks, read gauges.
• Blow down boiler when conductive solids and impurities exceed specified limits; according to prescribed procedures.
• Clear lines of sediment, blow down floats, test low water cut offs.
• Inspect steam pipes and insulation, valves, pumps and safety devices.
• Record various meter readings of pressure and temperature.
• Fill salt tanks.
• Add chemicals to condition boiler water and water treatment equipment.
• Maintain a chemical balance in boiler water according to prescribed procedures by performing standard testing procedures.
• Clean, inspect and perform routine maintenance on equipment and facilities including, but not limited to, oiling and greasing.
• Order filters for air handling equipment. Replace as need.
• Start and shut down boilers. Open boilers and inspect water and fire sides, and clean and prepare for inspections.
• Observe fire and safety precautions.
• Schedule via computer or manual time clock boilers, chillers and air handlers for special events or as needed.
• Perform rounds of all mechanical rooms, noting problems, logging temperatures and pressures of operating equipment. Report problems so repairs can be scheduled.
• Properly record time charges, PM task information, and collected readings using paper and electronic systems.
• Respond to customer complaints of power outages, water leaks, and hot and cold calls.
• Respond to fire panel and gas detection trouble or supervisory alarms, and assist campus safety to reset panels, or assist as needed.
• Assist Campus Safety in responding to water main leaks, power outages or facilities related problems
• Exercise professional judgment to call in Skilled Trades staff, custodial staff or maintenance staff to assist with after-hours emergencies.
• Mitigate facility related problems such as roof leaks, pipe leaks, etc., and monitor same until proper staff is on site to perform repairs.
• Record and pass on operations and repair information, to the next shift, or the day shift, as appropriate.
• May coordinate the work of Boiler Operator Trainees.

• Graduation from high school, a trade school or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Reasonable maritime or powerhouse experience with high pressure boiler operation.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience.
• City of Dearborn high pressure/low pressure boiler operator license, and first class refrigeration operator's license.
• Ability to tolerate high levels of heat and noise.
• Reasonable mechanical aptitude.
• Reasonable knowledge of the equipment, methods and materials used in boiler and refrigeration operations.
• Reasonable knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of high and low pressure boilers and related equipment.
• Ability to regulate boiler operations.
• Reasonable knowledge of safety standards and procedures.
• A valid driver's license.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in relationships with colleagues and other staff or faculty.
• Physical ability to perform the full range of duties of the classification.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Starting wage:  $37.29/hr during first 3 months, after 3 months $38.51 and after 6 months $39.63 (effective November 23, 2025, per IUOE Appendix B).

The shift is Wednesday through Saturday 7:00pm to 5:30am.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from a designated official.
May receive direction from Senior Boiler/Refrigeration Operator, during off hours. Shifts must operate without any active supervision.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the International Union of Operating Engineers, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.